A San Francisco car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver led to the death of 23-year-old James Ortega, who was a passenger in the car that crashed early morning on February 28, 2010. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that the driver of the 2006 Mazda, lost control of the vehicle on Frei Road and slammed into a tree. Another passenger, 24-year-old Chrystina Swan, was able to exit the car, but the two men had to be cut out from the mangled vehicle. Ortega died at the scene while Arrodondo was taken to a local hospital with injuries. Arrodondo was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

I sympathize with the family and friends of James Ortega, who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. I'm relieved that Swan did not sustain any major injuries in this crash. Ortega's grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Alcohol-Related Crashes

There were 17 deaths and 264 injuries as a result of DUI collisions in Sonoma County in 2008, according to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Sonoma County as a whole, there were a total of 36 fatalities and 1,988 injuries involving car accidents during the same year.

California DUI Laws

According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle." It is illegal in California to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges under California Penal Code section 191.5 (a).

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

Victims in DUI collisions or their families would be well-advised to retain the services of a reputed San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who has an excellent track record of financially pursuing drunk and negligent drivers. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim, seeking damages to cover funeral expenses, lost future earning, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.